Lacey, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 14.27 LMC implements the NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology and makes low impact development the preferred and commonly used approach to site development. Under LMC 14.27.020(D) it covers land-disturbing activity, creation, replacement or conversion of hard or pervious surfaces, new connections to the city's MS4, and any other action that can increase the volume or rate of stormwater runoff or generate pollutants.

LMC 14.27.050 requires every project to comply with the City of Lacey Stormwater Design Manual and its nine core requirements: stormwater site plans, a construction SWPPP, source control, preservation of natural drainage systems and outfalls, on-site stormwater management, runoff treatment, flow control, wetlands protection, and operation and maintenance. Submittals carry a Stormwater Site Plan, and where no other city permit applies, review is under a city stormwater permit following the limited administrative review procedure in LMC 11.04.030. Exemptions in LMC 14.27.030 cover forest practices under WAC Title 222 (except Class IV conversions), certain pavement maintenance such as pothole and square cut patching, and underground utility projects that replace the surface with in-kind material.

Maintenance is where owners feel the chapter most. LMC 14.27.060 requires annual inspection of all privately owned stormwater systems, with the owner filing an inspection and maintenance form with the city. A licensed, bonded, and insured contractor must do the work except normal vegetation maintenance. Repairs are due within one year for typical maintenance, within six months for catch basins, and within two years for work requiring capital construction of greater than $25,000.00. Modifications and major repairs need city approval first.

Inspectors present credentials and request entry. Without consent they obtain a search warrant unless an imminent hazard exists or an access easement was dedicated to the city. Government entities are covered by LMC 14.27.070.